Kitchen Oil Disposal: Safe Pouring Methods

The question of whether to heat a pan before or after adding oil is a common one, and the answer depends on a few factors. Firstly, the type of pan being used is important; non-stick pans, for example, are best heated with oil already added, as this can help extend the life of the non-stick coating. Regular pans, on the other hand, are usually heated dry. The type of oil used is also a factor, as some oils have lower smoke points than others and are therefore more likely to burn if added to a hot pan. In general, it is recommended to heat the pan first and then add oil, as this can help prevent sticking and reduce the amount of oil needed. However, adding oil to a cold pan and heating them together is also a common technique and can be preferable when searing meat, as it prevents the oil from burning. Ultimately, the key is to ensure that both the pan and oil are hot before adding food, and to avoid leaving oil unattended on a hot pan to prevent it from smoking and polymerising.

Don't pour oil down the drain

It can be tempting to pour excess oil down the drain, but this can cause serious issues for your home and the environment. Even a small amount of grease poured down the drain can have harmful effects. Oils, fats, and grease congeal and solidify to form blockages in your pipes. This can lead to funky smells radiating from your kitchen drain and even a full-on blockage.

Even if you break down the oil with soap and hot water, it can re-solidify once it cools down and cause pipes and sewers to get blocked. The oil can also travel into waterways, including rivers and lakes, where it can decrease oxygen levels in the water and cause marine life to die of asphyxiation.

Another issue with pouring oil down the drain is the creation of "fatbergs." Fatbergs are self-contained gelatinous lumps that form when food fat or industrial fat makes its way into a waterway. These fatbergs can grow into giant masses of solid waste and eventually block wastewater flow. In fact, it is estimated that almost half of the sewer overflows in the US are the result of fatbergs.

So, what should you do with your used cooking oil? Here are some alternatives to pouring it down the drain:

• Let the oil cool completely, then pour it into a non-recyclable container with a lid and throw it in the garbage.
• If you have a small amount of oil, it can be safely disposed of into a partially filled plastic trash bag. Just be sure to close the bag and absorb any excess oil with paper towels, food scraps, or other absorbent materials.
• Mix the oil with an absorbent material like cat litter, sand, or sawdust, which will soak up the liquid. Save old oil in a used container until it is time to empty the litter box, then dump the oil into the litter before tossing it out.
• Purchase a grease disposal system kit, which consists of a plastic receptacle with foil-lined bags that can hold used cooking oil. Once the bag is full, simply seal it and throw it in the garbage.
• Check if your local recycling center accepts used cooking oil. Many recycling centers will take cooking oil waste free of charge and use it to create biodiesel, a clean-burning fuel used in many types of motor vehicles.

Store oil in a sealable container

When storing oil, it's important to use the right container. One of the main causes of oil turning rancid is exposure to too much oxygen, so always keep the cap or lid on the oil bottle when you're not using it.

It's also important to note that sunlight degrades the quality of oil, so store your oil in a dark-coloured glass bottle with a tight-fitting cap. Avoid using plastic bottles as plastic tends to leach chemicals over time, which will affect the overall taste of the oil. Avoid keeping cooking oils in containers made from iron or copper, as these metals create a chemical reaction when they come into contact with oil and make it unsafe to use.

If you own more than one type of oil, don't forget to label the bottles. You can reuse dark-coloured wine and vinegar bottles, or buy dark-coloured bottles from a cooking equipment store. Consider transferring some oil into a smaller container to make it easier to pour.

Take oil to restaurants for disposal

Disposing of cooking oil responsibly is essential for both regulatory compliance and sustainability. Restaurants have several options for disposing of their used cooking oil, and you can take advantage of these options as well.

Recycling

Recycling used cooking oil is a popular and environmentally friendly option. Specialized services can convert used oil into biodiesel, a cleaner and more sustainable fuel alternative. Biodiesel has a faster biodegradation rate than petroleum diesel and is non-toxic, making it safer to handle.

Repurposing

Some restaurants get creative and repurpose their used cooking oil. For example, they may craft artisanal soaps or produce biodiesel fuel for local communities.

Donation

Certain restaurants donate their used cooking oil to donation centers that make biodiesel. This prevents waste and supports organizations that repurpose the oil for beneficial causes.

Grease Trap

If you're looking to dispose of a large amount of oil, you can invest in a grease trap. This device collects fats, oils, and greases (FOGs), preventing them from reaching sewers or septic tanks. The grease trap pumping process involves a truck with a large grease tank that connects to the trap and pumps out the contents.

By taking your used cooking oil to a restaurant or specialized service, you can ensure that it is disposed of properly and put to good use, contributing to a more sustainable future.

Contact a household hazardous waste disposal company

If you need to dispose of used cooking oil, it's important to do so in a way that's safe for the environment and human health. Improper disposal of household hazardous waste (HHW) can cause pollution and pose a threat to human health.

In the US, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers some leftover household products that can catch fire, react, or explode under certain circumstances, or that are corrosive or toxic as HHW. This includes oils, which require special care when you dispose of them.

• Check with your local environmental, health, or solid waste agency: They can provide information on permanent or periodic HHW collections near you. Some communities have dedicated collection programs for HHW to ensure the safe management and disposal of these materials.
• Contact a local hazardous waste disposal company: If your community doesn't have a collection program, you can reach out to a local hazardous waste disposal company. These companies specialize in the safe handling and disposal of HHW. They can provide guidance on how to package and transport your used cooking oil to their facility for proper disposal.
• Follow disposal instructions carefully: When disposing of used cooking oil, always follow any instructions provided by the disposal company. This includes guidelines on container types, labelling, and any specific requirements for transporting the waste to a collection site or facility.
• Never pour oil down the drain or dispose of it with regular trash: Improper disposal methods, such as pouring oil down the drain or mixing it with other trash, can lead to environmental pollution and health hazards. Oil can contaminate septic tanks and wastewater treatment systems, and it can be harmful to sanitation workers if not handled correctly.
• Consider reducing your use of hazardous products: You can also explore ways to reduce your purchase and use of products containing hazardous ingredients. Look for environmentally friendly alternatives or simple recipes to create your own cleaning solutions and other household products.

Use a grease disposal system

Using a grease disposal system is a safe and environmentally friendly way to get rid of oil from your pan. Here are some tips for disposing of cooking oil and grease using a disposal system:

Firstly, always allow the oil to cool completely before attempting to dispose of it. Hot oil can cause burns and may damage containers or trash bags. Let the oil sit at room temperature until it's no longer warm.

Secondly, choose a suitable container for the oil. Look for something that can be sealed tightly and won't leak. Examples include an empty jar, a milk carton, a dedicated grease container, or even a plastic yogurt tub or storage container. Avoid using glass, as it can shatter and enhance the risk of injury to sanitation workers.

Once the oil has cooled, transfer it to the container and seal it tightly to prevent spills. If you're using a disposable container, make sure it's one that will slowly decompose, like a milk carton. You can then discard the container with your regular garbage.

If you have a larger amount of oil, consider reusing it. Cooking oils and fats can be reused if stored properly. Simply store the oil in an airtight container in the refrigerator or a cool, dark cupboard. Before reusing, check the oil's quality by smelling it—fresh oil should have a clean, neutral smell. You can also rub some between your fingers; good oil will be smooth, while bad oil will be tacky and sticky.

Another option is to recycle your cooking oil. Many areas offer cooking oil recycling programs, especially for larger quantities. Recycled cooking oil can be converted into biodiesel fuel. Check with your local waste management department or use online resources to locate a collection site near you.

Lastly, if you have small amounts of oil, you can compost them. However, this should be done sparingly, as too much oil can disrupt the composting process and attract pests. Vegetable oils, in minimal quantities, can enrich your compost with necessary nutrients.

Frequently asked questions